Ha Long Bay is one of the most stunning destinations in Vietnam, with its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands rising from the sea. While exploring the bay by cruise is already a memorable experience, seeing it from above takes the beauty to another level. The Halong Bay Seaplane Tour offers a unique way to admire the breathtaking landscapes from the sky. This tour allows you to capture the bay's beauty from a whole new perspective. In this article, we will give you all the information you need to know about the Halong Bay Seaplane Tour, from flight routes and schedules to prices and how to combine it with a cruise.

1. About Halong Bay Seaplane

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage, every year, Halong Bay continues to welcome both domestic and international tourists to explore its magnificent beauty. There are many services available for visitors to explore Halong Bay, and one of the newest and most luxurious ways to admire Halong Bay and its beautiful karst formations, is from above, on a seaplane.

Currently in Vietnam, there is only one aviation company that provides this service, that is Hai Au Aviation, using Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX, one of the safest aircraft that can land on water. This means you get to have an ultimate one-of-a-kind experience while exploring the wonderful Halong Bay, away from the crowd. 

2. A seaplane trip, why not?

Seaplanes have been the top choice for upscale travelers for its one of a kind experiences and multiple benefits. 

What sets seaplanes in Halong Bay apart from tourist boats and ships operating in the bay is that they allow tourists to enjoy a panoramic view of Halong Bay from an altitude of 150m to 2000m, and with a capacity of 12 passengers per flight, safety is guaranteed.

Furthermore, it saves you a ton of time and effort for the short duration of the flight, which typically lasts for less than an hour. This is especially beneficial for those who have a history of motion sickness or seasickness.

3. Halong Bay Seaplane Tour itinerary

There are currently 3 seaplane services provided by Hai Au Aviation: scheduled flights, sightseeing flights and charter flights. These flights not only significantly reduce travel time but also bring travelers completely new experiences.

3.1. Hanoi to Halong Bay flights

Instead of sitting in a car for 3-4 hours from Hanoi to Ha Long or vice versa, why not opt for a 45 minute seaplane flight to Halong? You won’t experience any fatigue and you get to see Ha Long and Hanoi from another perspective that not many people can say they’ve had. There are 2-3 flights available each day.

During the flight, you can see the Vietnamese countryside from above, with green fields and winding rivers stretching out below. The seaplane lands near Tuan Chau Marina, offering a smooth arrival in Halong Bay. This option saves time and gives you a chance to enjoy beautiful views along the way.

3.2. Sightseeing flights by seaplane

The best way to admire Halong Bay with over 2000 karst islets and islands emerging from the emerald water would be from above. The 25-minute Halong seaplane sightseeing flight will take you through the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, namingly Dau Be island near Lan Ha Bay, Cong Do island in Bai Tu Long Bay and Bo Hon island, one of the largest islands in Ha Long with multiple caves and karst mountains. 

The maximum capacity of each flight is 12 pax, which ensures great views and experiences for every traveler. The minimum number of pax required is 4 so this is perfect for little groups of friends or family who want to travel together.

3.3. Chartered flights

Do you hate the crowd, want to skip the queue at the airport and want to have a private, awesome travel that tailors to you? Do we have just the right thing for you! Halong seaplane chartered flights are great because they are based according to you and your schedule, plus you get to have an up close view of the sites and amazing in-flight services, all that for a more affordable price compared to helicopter or jet charter flights. While this option is more expensive, the privacy and flexibility it offers can make your trip unforgettable.

3.4. Halong Bay Seaplane and cruise

For the best experience, you can combine the seaplane tour with a cruise on Halong Bay. Start with a sightseeing flight to admire the bay from above, then continue your journey on a boat. The cruise lets you get up close to the islands, caves, and floating villages. Many cruises offer activities like kayaking, swimming, and cooking classes. This combination allows you to experience Halong Bay from both the sky and the water, giving you the most complete view of this natural wonder.

4. Halong Bay Seaplane Tour Departure Points

If you're planning to explore Halong Bay by seaplane, there are several departure points to choose from depending on your location and travel plans.

4.1. Tuan Chau Marina (Halong Bay)

You can take a seaplane directly from Halong City for a sightseeing flight over the bay. These flights usually last around 25 minutes and offer stunning views of the limestone islands and emerald waters. This option is perfect if you're already in Halong and want to add a unique experience to your trip.

4.2. Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)

Noi Bai Airport is the main airport in Hanoi, and it's one of the departure points for seaplane flights to Halong Bay. The flight takes about 45 minutes, making it the fastest and most scenic way to reach Halong. Flying from Noi Bai not only saves time but also gives you a chance to admire the beautiful landscapes between Hanoi and Halong Bay.

4.3. Gia Lam Heliport (Hanoi)

Gia Lam Heliport is another departure point in Hanoi. It's smaller and less crowded than Noi Bai Airport, offering a more private and convenient departure experience. The flight from Gia Lam to Halong Bay takes the same amount of time and provides similar views.

4.4. Halong Bay Seaplane Flight Schedules

Seaplane flights from Hanoi to Halong Bay usually operate several times a day. Sightseeing flights from Halong Bay can be booked throughout the day, depending on weather conditions and availability.

Seaplane 1: 9:00 - 9:25, 9:55 - 10:20, 10:50 - 11:15, 11:45 - 12:10, 13:25 - 13:50, 14:20 - 14:45, 15:15 - 15:40, 16:10 - 16:35.

Seaplane 2: 9:15 - 09:40, 10:10 - 10:35, 11:05 - 11:30, 12:00 - 12:25, 13:40 - 14:05, 14:35 - 15:00, 15:30 - 15:55, 16:25 - 16:50.

5. Halong Bay Seaplane Tour Price

The price for a Halong Bay Seaplane Tour depends on the type of flight you choose.

5.1. Sightseeing flights

Sightseeing flights over Halong Bay start at around 2.500.000 VND ($100 per person) for a 25-minute tour.

5.2. Hanoi to Halong Bay flight

• If you're flying from Hanoi to Halong Bay, the price for a one-way flight with 15 minutes of sightseeing over Halong Bay is around 9,000,000 VND per person (approximately $370). 
• If you prefer a direct flight without the sightseeing experience, the price is 7,000,000 VND per person (about $290).
• The return flight from Halong Bay to Hanoi follows the same pricing, with 9,000,000 VND per person for the flight with sightseeing and 7,000,000 VND per person for the direct flight.

5.3. Chartered flights

For a more private experience, you can charter a seaplane for a sightseeing flight over Halong Bay. 

• The price for a 25-minute flight is 21,000,000 VND per trip (about $860) on weekdays and 23,500,000 VND per trip (around $960) on weekends. 
• A 35-minute flight costs 26,000,000 VND per trip (around $1,065) on weekdays and 30,000,000 VND per trip (about $1,230) on weekends. 
• The longest option, a 45-minute sightseeing flight, costs 31,000,000 VND per trip (about $1,270) on weekdays and 36,000,000 VND per trip (around $1,475) on weekends.
• If you want to charter a seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay with a 60-minute scenic flight over Halong Bay, the price is 70,000,000 VND per trip (around $2,870). 
• For a direct flight without sightseeing, the price is 58,000,000 VND per trip (about $2,380).

While the prices are high, the breathtaking views and unique experience make this tour a once-in-a-lifetime adventure worth considering.

6. Best time to travel to Halong Bay on a seaplane 

Being part of the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay has 2 distinct weather periods, chilly and dry from November to March, and hot and humid from April to October. 

Traveling to Halong Bay on a seaplane from November to March would be ideal, especially for foreign visitors here between Christmas and New Year’s. We wouldn’t recommend traveling in June and July when there’s a high chance of fog and storms, which is not safe for flights.

7. Luggage and other things to know

- All passengers are allowed 7 kg of luggage free of charge, for every extra 1 kg, you will be charge 100.000 VND

- The maximum capacity is 800 kg, in case of excess weight, you luggage may be kept at Noi Bai Airport free of charge, then transported to you via road transport

- The aircraft doesn’t contain a bathroom

- Make sure you’re in good health and don’t have heart problems or acrophobia.
 

8. Pros and cons of traveling by seaplane

8.1. Pros

Scenic Views: Seaplane flights to Halong provide breathtaking, panoramic views of the landscape, making the journey itself an exciting part of the travel experience.

Accessibility: Seaplanes can reach remote or less accessible areas, such as islands or areas with limited runway infrastructure, which can be challenging to reach by other means.

Time Efficiency: Seaplanes can be a faster option for point-to-point transportation, saving time compared to ground transportation, which can be particularly useful for island hopping.

8.2. Cons

Cost: Seaplane services are relatively expensive compared to other forms of transportation, especially charter flights.

Weather Dependence: Halong seaplane services can be weather-dependent and may be affected by adverse weather conditions, leading to delays or cancellations.

Weight and Size Restrictions: Seaplanes often have weight and size restrictions on luggage and cargo, which can be a drawback for travelers with substantial baggage choosing scheduled flights.

Limited Passenger Capacity: The minimum number of people required for a seaplane flight is 4, so if you don’t have enough company, the flight will be canceled.

Conclusion

A Halong Bay Seaplane Tour is one of the most extraordinary ways to discover the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. It adds a touch of luxury and excitement to your journey, creating unforgettable memories. Whether you choose a short sightseeing flight or a combination of seaplane and cruise, the view from above will leave you speechless. If you're planning a trip to Halong Bay, don't hesitate to book this unique experience with us and make your journey truly exceptional.

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